Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden Unite Through EuroNight Train: A New Era of Scenic Overnight Travel from Basel to Copenhagen and Malmö

Published on November 22, 2025

The EuroNight Train is set to launch a new, long-awaited service in April 2026, connecting Basel with Copenhagen and Malmö through a seamless, comfortable overnight route. This partnership between Swiss Federal Railways and RDC Deutschland will create a scenic 1,400-kilometre corridor through Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, offering travellers a comfortable and sustainable way to explore these stunning European cities.

The new night train will run three times a week, providing passengers with various travel options, including sleeping cars, couchettes, and seated coaches. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious rest or a budget-friendly option, the train promises comfort and convenience for all. In addition, the service will feature accessible compartments for passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring inclusivity for all travellers. Between Basel and Padborg, the train will even offer a dining car, recreating the classic allure of overnight train journeys.

With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly travel options, the EuroNight train offers a climate-friendly alternative to short-haul flights, reducing carbon footprints while providing a relaxing overnight experience. This development is part of Europe’s broader push to make rail travel a viable and sustainable mode of transport across the continent. The service will also stop at major stations such as Freiburg im Breisgau, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Kolding, ensuring easy connections between some of Europe’s busiest and most important rail hubs.

Thanks to financial backing from the Swiss Confederation, this service will be able to operate despite potential losses, ensuring its long-term success and accessibility for passengers.

New EuroNight Train Service: Connecting Basel, Copenhagen, and Malmö

The new EuroNight train route is a milestone for rail travel in Europe. The service is set to offer a direct and comfortable overnight option for travellers seeking to explore Scandinavia and central Europe without the hassle of airports or short-haul flights. Starting from 15 April 2026, the train will operate three times a week, providing a scenic overnight journey that connects Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden through a 1,400-kilometre corridor.

This new EuroNight service will be an essential link in the European night train network. Passengers can look forward to an affordable and convenient travel experience, enjoying comfortably furnished sleeping cars, as well as couchettes and classic seated coaches. The service will also include an accessible compartment for those with reduced mobility, ensuring that all passengers can travel with ease.

Key Features of the EuroNight Train Service

• Comfortable Travel Options: The train offers a variety of travel options for passengers, including sleeping cars for those who wish to relax in luxury, couchettes for budget-conscious travellers, and classic seated coaches for a more economical choice.
• Accessible Compartment: The service includes an accessible compartment, providing a comfortable travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Dining Car Service: Between Basel and Padborg, passengers can enjoy meals in a dining car, adding a touch of convenience and comfort to their overnight journey.
• Scenic Route: The EuroNight train will pass through some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Alps, the German countryside, and the Danish coast without the need to change trains.

Major Stops Along the EuroNight Route

The EuroNight train will make stops at several major stations, allowing passengers to easily connect to other parts of Europe. Some of the key stops along the route include:

• Freiburg im Breisgau: Located in southwestern Germany, this historic city is known for its beautiful medieval architecture and its location near the Black Forest.
• Karlsruhe: A cultural hub in southern Germany, Karlsruhe is known for its palaces, museums, and beautiful parks.
• Mannheim: A city located at the junction of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, Mannheim is known for its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to major European cities.
• Frankfurt: One of Europe’s largest financial centres, Frankfurt offers a mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture, along with cultural attractions such as museums and galleries.
• Hamburg: Known for its maritime heritage, Hamburg boasts historic docks, vibrant nightlife, and an impressive harbour.
• Kolding: A city in Denmark, Kolding is known for its castle, art galleries, and beautiful waterfront views.

A Financially Supported Project for Long-Term Success

The new EuroNight train service has been supported by financial backing from the Swiss Confederation under the CO₂ Act, ensuring that the service can operate despite potential losses. The Swiss Confederation plans to allocate approximately 47 million Swiss francs to support the service until 2030. This funding is crucial in ensuring that the EuroNight service remains financially viable and accessible for passengers in the long term.

If the project were to be withdrawn, passengers who have already purchased tickets will be refunded in full. This shows the commitment of the Swiss government to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly travel options across Europe.

A Climate-Friendly Travel Alternative

In an era where sustainability is becoming more important, the EuroNight train offers a climate-friendly alternative to short-haul flights. Trains are generally more energy-efficient than airplanes and can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of travel. With the growing concerns over climate change, the new EuroNight train provides an excellent way to reduce emissions while still enjoying comfortable, long-distance travel across Europe. By offering a more sustainable option for travellers, the service contributes to the ongoing efforts to make rail travel a key part of Europe’s green transport future.

The Future of European Night Trains

The launch of the EuroNight train service is part of a broader initiative to revive night train routes across Europe. In recent years, there has been a growing push to make night trains a more prominent feature of Europe’s transport system. Night trains offer several advantages, including the ability to travel long distances while sleeping overnight, avoiding the need for expensive and environmentally harmful flights. As more countries and railway operators invest in night train services, the EuroNight train is expected to become a crucial part of a broader network of sustainable and comfortable train routes connecting major European cities.

Conclusion

The introduction of the EuroNight train service between Basel, Copenhagen, and Malmö is an exciting new chapter for European rail travel. Starting in April 2026, this new service will offer a comfortable, eco-friendly, and scenic alternative to short-haul flights, connecting some of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious overnight experience or a more budget-friendly option, the EuroNight train offers something for every traveller. With stops at major European hubs and financial support from the Swiss government, this service is set to play a significant role in Europe’s transportation future, making it easier and more sustainable than ever to travel across the continent.